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Accounting Harmonization and Compliance in Applying IASB Standards: An Empirical Survey about the First Time Adoption of IAS 7 by Italian Listed Groups

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  • Alessandro Mechelli

Abstract

This paper deals with the First Time Adoption (FTA) of International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) standards by Italian entities, focusing on the cash flow statement (CFS) whose rules are stated by International Accounting Standards 7 (IAS 7). The purpose of this paper is to investigate both the degree of harmonization and compliance in applying IAS 7. To achieve this purpose, the research has been developed by analyzing a sample of 101 financial statements of Italian listed groups issued with reference to 2005. The results of this research show a high degree of heterogeneity in applying IASB standards and a high degree of noncompliance with IAS 7 by Italian groups. The high degree of heterogeneity could impair the comparability of financial statements across entities, requiring further efforts by IASB to reduce options permitted in its standards. The high degree of noncompliance creates the risk of misleading users who read audited financial statements thinking they are prepared according to IASB standards.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessandro Mechelli, 2009. "Accounting Harmonization and Compliance in Applying IASB Standards: An Empirical Survey about the First Time Adoption of IAS 7 by Italian Listed Groups," Accounting in Europe, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 6(2), pages 231-270, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:acceur:v:6:y:2009:i:2:p:231-270
    DOI: 10.1080/17449480903172077
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    2. Marco Fasan & Carlo Marcon, 2018. "Accounting Choice under IFRS: The Role of Accounting Tradition and Managerial Opportunism," International Journal of Academic Research in Accounting, Finance and Management Sciences, Human Resource Management Academic Research Society, International Journal of Academic Research in Accounting, Finance and Management Sciences, vol. 8(3), pages 209-223, July.
    3. katia Corsi & Daniela Mancini, 2015. "Regulatory compliance of financial control systems and its implications for accountants. Some evidence from Italian experience," MANAGEMENT CONTROL, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2015(3), pages 65-91.
    4. Milana Otrusinová & Eva Hýblová, 2013. "International harmonization of accounting demands a new approach to accounting education," Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis, Mendel University Press, vol. 61(2), pages 427-435.
    5. Frederic Demerens & Pascale Delvaille & Anne Le Manh & Jean-Louis Paré, 2017. "Segment Information: What Do European Small and Mid-Caps Disclose?," International Business Research, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 10(11), pages 42-57, November.
    6. Marco Fasan & Carlo Marcon, 2014. "Accounting Tradition and other drivers of the Fair Value choice: An Opportunistic Management perspective," Working Papers 13, Venice School of Management - Department of Management, Università Ca' Foscari Venezia.
    7. David Alexander & Pascale Delvaille & Frédéric Demerens & Anne Le Mahn & Jean-Louis Paré, 2013. "L'Information Sectorielle Publiee Par Les Entreprises : Le Cas Des Eti Segment Information Disclosed By Firms: The Case Of Intermediate-Size European Listed Companies," Post-Print hal-00999030, HAL.
    8. Alessandro Mechelli & Riccardo Cimini, 2014. "Is Comprehensive Income Value Relevant and Does Location Matter? A European Study," Accounting in Europe, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(1), pages 59-87, June.

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